Mentors & Investors
Peaches Kemp
itsa
PEACHES KEMP co-founded Itsa with her sister Domini in 1999. Having started with one bagel shop 16 years ago, the Kemps now have 17 outlets including itsa at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, itsa at The Hugh Lane Gallery, The Tearooms at Dublin Castle, and itsa@Harvey Nichols.
RENA MAYCOCK is the founder & CEO of Chirp (formerly Cilter), a technology startup developing child protection software for smartphones that detects/blocks cyberbullying, grooming and suicide/self-harm in user-generated content on messaging apps and browsers. Rena also writes a column for business publication The Currency from the coalface of Irish business. Having been appointed by Ireland’s Minister for Finance to the Commission on Taxation and Welfare, Rena Chairs the board of the Irish International Business Network. Rena was named in the Sunday Independent’s Top 30 Women in Tech in 2021. Rena started her career in advertising sales and went on to hold a variety of senior management and director roles in Sky Media, Sunshine and was latterly CEO of the iRadio group. In 2011 she co-founded Ireland’s largest traditional matchmaking company, Intro. Rena has successfully won €2.8M grant towards the completion of the Chirp solution from the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund and in May 2023 raised €1.67m which is one of the largest seed-raises of a sole female-founder in Ireland. |
Rena Maycock
Chirp
RENA MAYCOCK is the founder & CEO of Chirp (formerly Cilter), a technology startup developing child protection software for smartphones that detects/blocks cyberbullying, grooming and suicide/self-harm in user-generated
Connor Murphy
Bridge
CONNOR MURPHY is the CEO of Bridge with a background in computer science, startups, venture capital, and management consulting. He was previously CEO and Founder of Datahug which exited to Nasdaq listed Callidus Cloud (Nasdaq:CALD) and is now part of SAP. Prior to Datahug, Connor worked with PA Consulting Group in London, New York and Washington DC.
Chupi Sweetman
Chupi
CHUPI SWEETMAN founder of Chupi. After a decade of working in the giants of commercial fashion, Chupi founded her eponymous jewellery line in 2013. Her creative and strategic vision has scaled Chupi to a luxury jewellery brand selling into 65 countries.
MARK BROSNAN, a serial entrepreneur and technology leader known for building and successfully scaling complex SaaS and enterprise AI platforms. As CEO & Co-founder of Getvisibility, he pioneered an AI-powered solution for managing unstructured data at massive scale. This entrepreneurial success culminated in a landmark exit for Irish AI start-ups when Getvisibility was acquired by Forcepoint. Now VP of Engineering at Forcepoint, Mark is driving the solution’s global expansion, ensuring the platform continues to solve the industry’s most challenging problems. Mark was also CEO of Xanadu, where he built highly sophisticated, highly transactional platforms utilizing AI and advanced analytics. With extensive experience in developing and operating enterprise-grade software, Mark has a keen understanding of what it takes to build resilient, globally scalable solutions for emerging problem sets.
Mark Brosnan
Getvisibility
MARK BROSNAN, a serial entrepreneur and technology leader known for building and successfully scaling complex SaaS and enterprise AI platforms.
SHANE CURRAN is Founder & CEO of Evervault. Founded in June 2018 when Mr Curran was 18 years old, Evervault is focused on building a ground-breaking data-privacy interface that developers can use when creating software. Evervault has its origins in a BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition project, qCrypt, which involved research in cryptography and data privacy. Mr Curran won top prize in the 2017 competition. In 2020 Evervault raised $16 million (€13.2 million) from some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley, & intend to grow employee numbers by about 20 people over the next year.
Shane Curran
Evervault
SHANE CURRAN is Founder & CEO of Evervault. Founded in June 2018 when Mr Curran was 18 years old, Evervault is focused on building a ground-breaking data-privacy interface that developers can use when creating software. Evervault has its origins in a BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition project, qCrypt, which involved research in cryptography and data privacy. Mr Curran won top prize in the 2017 competition.
JIM BARRY is the Managing Director of Barry Group, one of Ireland’s most respected wholesale distribution groups. The company employs over 230 people at its state of the art headquarters in Mallow, Co. Cork. Under Jim’s vision and leadership, Barry Group has grown from a once local business to a leading wholesale distribution company. Trading both nationally and internationally and supplying over 1,000 customers; Barry Group manages 265 franchises under the Costcutter, Carry Out Off Licence, and Quik Pick symbols. Jim was listed as a finalist in the EY, Entrepreneur of the year awards in 2010. Barry Group was listed as one of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies in 2010 and has been reaccredited every year since then. Barry Group was named as a Great Place To Work in 2015 and Jim was honoured to be named ‘Irelands Most Trusted Leader’ at the 2015 Great Place To Work Awards.
Jim Barry
Barry Group
JIM BARRY is the Managing Director of Barry Group, one of Ireland’s most respected wholesale distribution groups. The company employs over 230 people at its state of the art headquarters in Mallow, Co. Cork.
Denise Tormey
PlanNet21
DENISE TORMEY throughout her executive career has held leadership positions with PlanNet21 Communications (1998), Videnda (spun out 2003), Data Centre (spun out 2022) 3play Plus, Digital (DEC).
Rosanne Longmore is the CEO of Coroflo, a company which has developed and patented the world’s first accurate breastfeeding monitor. Coroflo have raised €4m investment and have won numerous innovation and technology awards.
Prior to Coroflo, Rosanne worked in financial services for 15 years, working across different business units including wealth management and client service operations. Having qualified from the University of Limerick, Rosanne completed further industry qualifications with the Institute of Project Management and the Institute of Bankers.
Rosanne Longmore
Coroflo
Rosanne Longmore is the CEO of Coroflo, a company which has developed and patented the world’s first accurate breastfeeding monitor. Coroflo have raised €4m investment and have won numerous innovation and technology awards.
PATRICK RYAN is an experienced entrepreneur, investor, advisor and board member with an interest in technology, financial services, regulatory compliance and social impact. Patrick was born and raised in Dublin and has lived in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Los Angeles over the past 30 years. Patrick has a wide range of interests and is an investor in, advisor to and/or board member of a number of high tech, smartcity, mobility, regtech and fintech companies in Amsterdam, Dublin, Cork, London and New York, as well as interests in web3 development in Amsterdam and Bali and a high-end electric guitar manufacturer in Nashville, Tennessee. Patrick is also an Investment Partner at Amsterdam-based Great Stuff Ventures and a member of the HBAN investor network in Ireland. Patrick is also an investor in PYMWYMIC, a Dutch social impact investment coop and was a member of their inaugural Investment Committee.
Patrick Ryan
Great Stuff Ventures
PATRICK RYAN is an experienced entrepreneur, investor, advisor and board member with an interest in technology, financial services, regulatory compliance and social impact. Patrick was born and raised in Dublin and has lived in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Los Angeles over the past 30 years.
BRIAN CROWLEY is the Director of Broadlake, Founder of TTM Healthcare Solutions, Founder Resilience Healthcare & Founder of Advanced Community Care. Broadlake’s international group of 7 businesses employs over 4,000 people in industries including Healthcare, Technology, FMCG, International Talent Solutions, Workplace Wellbeing, Office Services, and Engineering in Ireland, The UK, South Africa, the Philippines and India. Brian has been Entrepreneur from the age of 25 and loving it ever since. He is a former member of the Governments Entrepreneurship Committee, a judge on the National finals of Irelands Best Young Entrepreneur and a former EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Brian joined forces with Broadlake in 2016, and would consider himself the entrepreneur in residence! Broadlake helps established businesses scale, partnering with ambitious founders to realise their potential through organic growth, new acquisitions, and expansion into new markets. He gets most personal return when he makes an impact, and to that end Broadlake has a vision – 3X10X – 3 times the size and 10 times the positive impact. He is only interested in sustainable growth.
Brian Crowley
TTM Group
BRIAN CROWLEY is the Director of Broadlake, Founder of TTM Healthcare Solutions, Founder Resilience Healthcare & Founder of Advanced Community Care.
TOM GANNON is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and has held various sales and marketing roles, most notably within the Richmond Marketing business. There he worked with a variety of premium brands including Red Bull, Peroni and Hendricks Gin. Tom co-founded Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars in 2014 and launched it in January 2016. The business became a phenomenal success almost from day 1. In its first year of trading it sold in excess of 13 million bars. In its second year the brand sold over 25m bars and the Fulfil brand became one of Irelands top 50 brands outstripping household brands like Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Colgate & Bachelors. In late 2018 after another year of strong sales growth and commercial success Tom and the other co-founder Niall McGrath agreed to sell their shareholding. The pair are in the process of setting up a new brand which they hope will transform the healthy eating and snacking space which will launch in Q3 of 2019. Tom is also currently involved in a variety of other entrepreneurial projects and startup companies as an investor, director and mentor.
Tom Gannon
Richmond Marketing Business
TOM GANNON is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and has held various sales and marketing roles, most notably within the Richmond Marketing business.
DAMIEN KENNEDY co-founder of the Wheyhey brand, UK start-up of the year in 2016. Named as a game changer in Foodtech by Forbes magazine. Damien is co-founder & CEO of a brand holding company: groceriX: which develops, manufactures & markets cpg brands such as Wheyhey, MyProtein, Furocity & private label products for retailers in the UK, Europe and the US. Damien is an FMCG industry advisor to PE houses such as Afendis Capital and Davidson Kempner Capital. Damien is co-founder of fashion & jewellery brands ‘frkl.’ and ‘Tranquillity jewellery’. Alongside Angela Scanlon, the brands launched via e-commerce and modern retail channels – the brands are ranged in retailers such as Brown Thomas &, Selfridges.
Damien Kennedy
Wheyhey
DAMIEN KENNEDY co-founder of the Wheyhey brand, UK start-up of the year in 2016. Named as a game changer in Foodtech by Forbes magazine. Damien is co-founder & CEO of a brand holding company: groceriX: which develops, manufactures & markets cpg brands such as Wheyhey, MyProtein, Furocity & private label products for retailers in the UK, Europe and the US.
DAVID MAGUIRE, Founder & CEO, BNRG, is an environmental scientist by profession and is 25 years in the environmental and renewable energy sectors. Prior to founding BNRG in 2007, he spent over 13 years as an environmental consultant in the private and public sectors, including running the R&D division of the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland. David is a founder member of the European solar trade body, AFASE and until recently, chair of the Irish solar trade body, ISEA since 2013. BNRG is a global renewable energy company that develops, constructs and owns and operates utility scale solar plants in Ireland, the UK, USA and Australia. The Company is renowned being an early mover in many markets in Europe and the US and has developed a reputation for building best in class assets. To date BNRG has developed over 350 megawatts of solar projects across the globe and is working on a development pipeline in the order of 3 gigawatts. BNRG expects to deploy circa $500m in capital over the next 3 years on construction.
David Maguire
BNRG
DAVID MAGUIRE, Founder & CEO, BNRG, is an environmental scientist by profession and is 25 years in the environmental and renewable energy sectors. Prior to founding BNRG in 2007, he spent over 13 years as an environmental consultant in the private and public sectors, including running the R&D division of the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland.
TOM GANNON is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and has held various sales and marketing roles, most notably within the Richmond Marketing business. There he worked with a variety of premium brands including Red Bull, Peroni and Hendricks Gin. Tom co-founded Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars in 2014 and launched it in January 2016. The business became a phenomenal success almost from day 1. In its first year of trading it sold in excess of 13 million bars. In its second year the brand sold over 25m bars and the Fulfil brand became one of Irelands top 50 brands outstripping household brands like Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Colgate & Bachelors. In late 2018 after another year of strong sales growth and commercial success Tom and the other co-founder Niall McGrath agreed to sell their shareholding. The pair are in the process of setting up a new brand which they hope will transform the healthy eating and snacking space which will launch in Q3 of 2019. Tom is also currently involved in a variety of other entrepreneurial projects and startup companies as an investor, director and mentor.
Stephen Nolan
Nutritics
STEPHEN NOLAN is CEO of Nutritics, a SaaS food tech business that enables hospitality operators run safer, more sustainable and more profitable businesses. Their software helps businesses unlock the hidden value of food data, to manage recipes, create labels, plan meals, publish menus and measure their environmental impact.
TDARA O’MAHONY founded Dome Telecom in 2000. Dome offers retail, wholesale and proprietary telephony solutions to a broad range of customers including the UN defence forces on overseas missions in Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. Dome now focuses almost exclusively on the international wholesale market with bilateral agreements across the US, India, Central Africa and the Middle East. Prior to founding Dome Telecom Dara joined Denis O’Brien’s Esat Telecom and was co-founder (with Mark Roden) of Torc Telecom in 1998. Dara is also an investor and advisory board member of a number of early stage companies including Biotricity (Biomass energy plant), Roomex.com (hotel reservations) and was a founding investor in Startup Bootcamp in 2011 alongside SOSv and a number of other private investors. Dara recently funded and joined the board of VT Networks, Irelands only dedicated IOT network infrastructure.
Dara O'Mahony
Dome Telecom
DARA O’MAHONY founded Dome Telecom in 2000. Dome offers retail, wholesale and proprietary telephony solutions to a broad range of customers including the UN defence forces on overseas missions in Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. Dome now focuses almost exclusively on the international wholesale market with bilateral agreements across the US, India, Central Africa and the Middle East.
Teresa Chambers
Angel Investor
TERESA CHAMBERS is an angel investor with the Boole Syndicate, where she has supported start-ups and scale-ups for the past decade. She is the Founder & Principal of Inchera Executive Search, a boutique firm dedicated to helping organisations source and secure key senior talent.
GRAINNE KELLY is the CEO and inventor of BubbleBum UK Ltd, manufacturer of the worlds first inflatable car booster seat for kids. BubbleBum was founded in December 2009 and has rocketed to success, winning major worldwide awards. The product is now for sale in 26 countries globally with major stores such as Walmart, Target, Tesco, Boots, Halfords, Migros, Naurauto and Aubert. Without the aid of a PR company, in Oct 2012 BubbleBum featured on the front page of the USAToday, The Wall Street Journal and on major national channels such as RTE, BBC, CBS News and Fox. Grainne has already been named the Belfast Telegraph Business Woman of the Year 2010, EY Entrepreneur of the year finalist 2011 and Women In Business Award winner 2013.
Grainne Kelly
BubbleBum UK Ltd
GRAINNE KELLY is the CEO and inventor of BubbleBum UK Ltd, manufacturer of the worlds first inflatable car booster seat for kids. BubbleBum was founded in December 2009 and has rocketed to success, winning major worldwide awards. The product is now for sale in 26 countries globally with major stores such as Walmart, Target, Tesco, Boots, Halfords, Migros, Naurauto and Aubert.
AOIBHEANN O’BRIEN is Co-founder at FoodCloud which tackle foodwaste by connecting food businesses with local Charities & Community Groups, providing an environmentally sensitive alternative to throwing away perfectly good food. Aoibheann previously worked at ERM within the transaction services team where she carried out environmental, health, safety and social due diligence on financial transactions across a variety of sectors including mining, oil & gas, power, manufacturing and infrastructure. Previously Aoibheann worked at JPMorgan, London where she completed an internship, followed by their graduate program and went on to work within the Global Environmental & Social Risk Management team, assessing environmental and social risks associated with transactions in mining, oil and gas, carbon, power, forestry, cement, agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Aoibeann O'Brien
FoodCloud
AOIBHEANN O’BRIEN is Co-founder at FoodCloud which tackle foodwaste by connecting food businesses with local Charities & Community Groups, providing an environmentally sensitive alternative to throwing away perfectly good food.
PÁDRAIG Ó CÉIDIGH, a fluent Irish speaker had careers in accountancy, teaching and as a solicitor. He is also a Harvard University Alumni. In 1994, he saw an opportunity to develop a struggling business in the local community when he became part owner of Aer Arann, then serving the three Aran Islands. Ó Céidigh went on to develop Aer Arann into one of the fastest growing regional airlines in the world. Passenger numbers rose to over 1.1 million in 2007 and Aer Arann has won several awards (including the Palme d’Or for Airline of the Year in 2006). It now operates several regional European and domestic routes, including a successful franchise arrangement with Aer Lingus. Pádraig was named EY Irish Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002. Subsequently he was a member of the 2004 and 2005 World Entrepreneur of the Year judging panels and he continues his association as Chair of the judging panel for the Irish awards. Pádraig is Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business in NUIG and Chairman of Fáilte Ireland West.
Pádraig Ó'Céidigh
Aer Arann
PÁDRAIG Ó CÉIDIGH, a fluent Irish speaker had careers in accountancy, teaching and as a solicitor. He is also a Harvard University Alumni. In 1994, he saw an opportunity to develop a struggling business in the local community when he became part owner of Aer Arann, then serving the three Aran Islands.
COLUM O’SULLIVAN (Sully) set up Cully & Sully in September 2004 with Cullen Allen from Ballymaloe House. The business became a multi award winning food company supplying over 3,000 stores in Ireland, the UK and Europe. Cully & Sully is the 50th biggest food brand in Ireland and the number 1 soup brand. They sold the business to US based Hain Celestial in 2012. Following a two year earn out, they created a new Irish entity called Hain Celestial Ireland incorporating other Hain brands such as Hartleys, Sunpat, Cadburys spreads, Linda McCartney, Dream etc and is currently the co-managing director with Cully. |
Colum O'Sullivan
Cully & Sully
COLUM O’SULLIVAN (Sully) set up Cully & Sully in September 2004 with Cullen Allen from Ballymaloe House. The business became a multi award winning food company
PETE SMYTH is an Executive Chairman of Broadlake. With a background in entrepreneurship and investment, he founded Broadlake to build companies that scale with purpose and precision. At Broadlake, he guides the strategic vision of the group, driving growth that is measured not just in size but in meaningful impact. He believes in clear focus, disciplined execution, and creating cultures where innovation thrives without losing sight of accountability. Outside the office, Pete is a proud (& tired) father of 4, husband of 1, entrepreneur & business nut, lover of casual and hater of formal. He is also a kids rugby coach, sailor, and a strong believer in the importance of staying fit. As he says, “Growth isn’t just a goal; it’s a responsibility to create sustained value and lasting impact.”
Pete Smyth
Broadlake
PETE SMYTH is an Executive Chairman of Broadlake. With a background in entrepreneurship and investment, he founded Broadlake to build companies that scale with purpose and precision.
JIM BREEN founded PulseLearning in 1999 and is the driving force behind the company’s high standards of excellence and rapid progression as a globally dominant eLearning organization. Providing strategic direction and motivation for PulseLearning’s future development, Jim keeps employees, investors, and business partners focused on exceeding customers’ goals. Deloitte ranked PulseLearning as the fastest growing technology company on the island of Ireland and Jim was shortlisted for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. He graduated from the Executive Development program at Stanford University in California. In 2010, Jim joined the board of CorkBIC and also founded TriGrandPrix, an international triathlon events company, in the same year. In 2012, he established Cycle Against Suicide, a charity focused on reducing the number of lives lost to suicide in Ireland.
Jim Breen
PulseLearning
JIM BREEN founded PulseLearning in 1999 and is the driving force behind the company’s high standards of excellence and rapid progression as a globally dominant eLearning organization.
Andrew O'Shaughnessy
Poppulo
Andrew is an innovator with a passionate belief in the power of communications to transform how people work. It inspired Poppulo to become the global leader in internal communications, working with the world’s biggest brands to unlock the power of their people.
ASIER RUFINO, CEO of Tecnalia Ventures, has previously worked as a management consultant for Accenture, BNP Paribas and The Parthenon Group. More recently Asier has focused on entrepreneurship and innovation by providing business development, strategy and coaching services to start-ups and SMEs and is a board member (Chairman in one of them) of a number of start-ups. Asier worked at the Basque Institute of Competitiveness (Orkestra) in projects such as the launch of Business Angels Crecer+, the most successful business angel network in the Basque Country. Asier is the co-founder and member of the investment committee of Microwave Ventures, a seed capital fund focusing on software and internet investments. He also coaches new ventures in the Executive MBA of the Deusto Business School. Asier holds an MBA from London Business School / Sloan MIT and has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the Basque Country University in Spain.
Asier Rufino
Tecnalia
ASIER RUFINO, CEO of Tecnalia Ventures, has previously worked as a management consultant for Accenture, BNP Paribas and The Parthenon Group. More recently Asier has focused on entrepreneurship and innovation by providing business development, strategy and coaching services to start-ups and SMEs and is a board member (Chairman in one of them) of a number of start-ups.
JOHN STANLEY leads the Development and Operations team of GlobeTech and has over 30 years’ experience in Software Development and management of advanced technical teams across a range of companies including Apple and Motorola. John is responsible for leading all aspects of GlobeTech’s product solutions, and directing the long-term technical strategy. This includes ActiveConnex, an Events Management solution used at many major events such as the London Olympics, Glastonbury, plus major US events for Microsoft, Salesforce, Walmart etc. Prior to co-founding GlobeTech with Kevin Kelly, John was Director for OMC Development at Motorola, managing over 250 software engineers developing solutions for GSM Phone Networks. During his time in Apple, he formed an R&D team doing software testing on Macintosh software, and grew to over 200 people and developed many software and hardware products for the European market.
John Stanley
GlobeTech
JOHN STANLEY leads the Development and Operations team of GlobeTech and has over 30 years’ experience in Software Development and management of advanced technical teams across a range of companies including Apple and Motorola.
NIALL MCGRATH is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and is best known for Co-Founding of Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars and the Cali Cali Foods brands. Niall was the Marketing Director of Red Bull for the Richmond Marketing business and was short listed for Marketer of the Year in 2017. He also worked with a variety of premium brands including Vit Hit, Peroni and Hendricks Gin. In 2014 Niall co-founded Fulfil Nutrition with Tom Gannon and launched in January 2016. In its first year of trading it sold in excess of 13 million bars and over 25m bars in the second year. The Fulfil brand became one of Irelands top 50 brands. In late 2018 Niall and Tom agreed to sell their shareholding and set up the Cali Cali Foods brand, which is seeking to transform the healthy eating and snacking space by offering 100% Taste, 0% Guilt-free snacking and cooking products. In its 3rd year the brand is already on sale extensively in Ireland and has entered the UK, Australia and UAE. Niall is also currently involved in a variety of other entrepreneurial projects and startup companies as an investor, director and mentor.
Niall McGrath
Fulfil Nutrition
NIALL MCGRATH is an entrepreneur who has gained significant experience in the food & drinks industry over the last 20 years and is best known for Co-Founding of Fulfil Nutrition vitamin and protein bars and the Cali Cali Foods brands. Niall was the Marketing Director of Red Bull for the Richmond Marketing business and was short listed for Marketer of the Year in 2017.
CHARLES GARVEY is CEO of Metabolomic Diagnostics, an innovative medical diagnostics company developing technologies for the early detection of a woman’s risk of complications during her pregnancy. From 1990 to 2003 Charles was CEO of Horizon Technology Group which started life as a small Apple Computer reseller in Cork and grew into a large pan European IT group, listed on the Dublin and London stock exchanges and completing 13 acquisitions and disposals along the way. At its peak the group was worth over €1Billion and employed 720 people in 5 countries through 13 separate companies. The company was eventually sold to Avnet Inc in 2008. Charles was also previously CEO (now chairman) of NitroSell, an eCommerce company focussed on web enabling bricks and mortar retailers, predominantly in the USA. NitroSell’s technology seamlessly integrates in-store and online systems and has enabled their retailers to generate close to $1Billion in online sales to date.
Charles Garvey
Metabolomic Diagnostics
CHARLES GARVEY is CEO of Metabolomic Diagnostics, an innovative medical diagnostics company developing technologies for the early detection of a woman’s risk of complications during her pregnancy.
JOE O’SULLIVAN, is the founder and CEO of Ophir Mfg Solutions, a Singapore based company that provides Virtual Operations for both start up and mature companies introducing new technology, primarily in the wearables space. Joe has over 30 years of Global Operations, Manufacturing and Procurement experience. Joe held the positions of Vice President, Consumer Products & Asia Operations at Apple, COO at InFocus, and most recently COO at Intelligent Energy. Joe has built and led Operations and Supply Chain teams in Europe, USA and Asia.
Joe O'Sullivan
Ophir Mfg Solutions
JOE O’SULLIVAN, is the founder and CEO of Ophir Mfg Solutions, a Singapore based company that provides Virtual Operations for both start up and mature companies introducing new technology, primarily in the wearables space. Joe has over 30 years of Global Operations, Manufacturing and Procurement experience.
DAVID MCKERNAN was the first Coffee entrepreneur who successfully sold his Business, Java Republic, to Spain’s largest Coffee Roaster Cafento International in 2019. He then took on the role of Co-founding Director at BiaVest in 2022, which stands as Ireland’s premier food-dedicated private Investment Company. BiaVest boasts a diverse portfolio that features leading brands such as Nomadic, Riesa, Offbeat, and Nobo. Embracing a bold buy & build strategy, the company’s primary focus lies in the dynamic sectors of Chilled & Ambient Snacking within Ireland, UK and mainland Europe. Currently, David is spearheading an ambitious project to establish the largest Public Indoor Multi-Racket Sports facility in North County Dublin. With a steadfast vision to expand both nationally and internationally, David’s passion for Tennis , Padel and Pickleball will see the project completed in 2026. |
David McKernan
Java Republic
DAVID MCKERNAN was the first Coffee entrepreneur who successfully sold his Business, Java Republic, to Spain’s largest Coffee Roaster Cafento International in 2019.
BRENDAN NEVIN is an experienced Chair & CEO with extensive leadership skills operating at Board level for over 20 years. A proven track record across a range of Organizations and Markets in particular Customer led growth in complex, challenging businesses. He is Co-Founder & Chair of Code Institute, Europe’s leading provider of online software developer training. His most recent Executive role was as CEO of AA Ireland where he led a Private Equity backed MBO in 2016 and subsequent successful sale in 2020. Prior to that he held senior management roles, at Bank of Ireland, Eircom, Coca-Cola HBC, International Distillers and McVities Biscuits.
Brendan Nevin
Code Institute
BRENDAN NEVIN is an experienced Chair & CEO with extensive leadership skills operating at Board level for over 20 years. A proven track record across a range of Organizations and Markets in particular Customer led growth in complex, challenging businesses.
DAVE RONAYNE is Chief Executive of Irish Mainport Holdings. The Mainport Group is an integrated marine services company providing global shipping services to offshore oil & gas exploration companies and international seismic operators. Mainport has offices in Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Norway, and the Caspian Sea area. Dave holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Accountant, is a past member of Cork Harbour Commissioners and he is currently a member of the IBEC Regional Council. Mainport opened up a new office in Luanda, Angola during 2011 to service the new emerging offshore oil opportunities. Dave was a finalist in the 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.
David Ronayne
Irish Mainport Holdings
DAVE RONAYNE is Chief Executive of Irish Mainport Holdings. The Mainport Group is an integrated marine services company providing global shipping services to offshore oil & gas exploration companies and international seismic operators.
DECLAN FOX, serial entrepreneur, technologist, digital marketer and business coach, co-founded Comnitel Technologies in 1999 and as CEO, grew the company from start-up, raising €30M from leading institutional investors. Comnitel later merged with a US Telco, and was acquired by IBM in 2007. Founder of Magellan Partners, a venture & entrepreneurial advisory consultancy, with a focus on innovative technology companies across different sectors. Co-Founded OmniVend, a successful network, revenue and service management company. Declan is actively involved with a number of high achieving early stage technology companies assisting them scale internationally.
Declan Fox
Comnitel
DECLAN FOX, serial entrepreneur, technologist, digital marketer and business coach, co-founded Comnitel Technologies in 1999 and as CEO, grew the company from start-up, raising €30M from leading institutional investors. Comnitel later merged with a US Telco, and was acquired by IBM in 2007.
FRANKIE WHELEHAN was a Student of Shannon College of Hotel Management. In 1996, Frankie, with Partners, purchased Morrison’s Island Hotel in Cork. In 1998, Frankie secured the Choice Hotel franchise for Ireland and developed the 4 Star Clarion Hotel Group, the 3 Star Quality Hotel Group and the budget Comfort Inn Group. Within 8 years, Choice Hotels Ireland grew to become the largest 3 Star and 4 Star Hotel Group in Ireland. In 2007 Choice Hotels Ireland successfully sold both the Quality Hotel Group and the Comfort Inn Groups. Choice Hotels Ireland now focuses its attention on the development of its Clarion Hotel Group here in Ireland and abroad having secured the rights to the Clarion Hotel Group Brand in the UK, Germany and Russia. This expansion has already commenced with the opening of a 212 bed roomed Hotel in Croydon, London. Frankie was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 Award.
Frankie Whelehan
Choice Hotels Ireland
FRANKIE WHELEHAN was a Student of Shannon College of Hotel Management. In 1996, Frankie, with Partners, purchased Morrison’s Island Hotel in Cork. In 1998, Frankie secured the Choice Hotel franchise for Ireland and developed the 4 Star Clarion Hotel Group, the 3 Star Quality Hotel Group and the budget Comfort Inn Group.
GER O’MAHONY is an entrepreneur who has accumulated significant experience mainly in technology but also in other industry sectors. He has been involved in a number of successful technology start-ups including being the founder of the software business Engage Technologies Group and its subsequent sale to NorthgateArinso (a FTSE 250 company) and also being the co-founder of the networking systems integrator Bridgecom Group and its subsequent sale to Denis O’Brien’s Esat Telecom. He has completed funding rounds, identified and successfully completed and integrated company acquisitions and negotiated company disposals during this period. Recently Ger has focused on helping established technology companies to scale and grow both in Irish and International markets. These include the high growth businesses Action Point Technology Group and Voxpro Communications both of which have achieved revenue growth in excess of 50% year on year over the past three years.
Ger O'Mahony
Entrepreneur
GER O’MAHONY is an entrepreneur who has accumulated significant experience mainly in technology but also in other industry sectors.
JULIAN COSTLEY is a professional chairman/NED, an expert on raising capital, and an occasional angel investor. Most recently he has acquired a small publishing company – Bite Sized Books – which he now runs full-time. Prior roles have included Country Manager at the Thomson Reuters news agency, founding CEO of his own TV channel on BSB (later BSkyB), and founding CEO of France Telecom’s Globecast UK satellite company. He partnered with venture capitalist Hermann Hauser to create E*TRADE UK, the stockbroking firm resulting in a significant trade sale. He’s invested in 27 international companies and become chairman/NED or adviser to many more focusing on the financial services, media, telecoms, and internet markets. Julian is a part-time mentor, course judge, and occasional lecturer at London Business School and more recently INSEAD. |
Julian Costley
Bite Sized Books
JULIAN COSTLEY is a professional chairman/NED, an expert on raising capital, and an occasional angel investor. Most recently he has acquired a small publishing company – Bite Sized Books – which he now runs full-time.
SHEMAS EIVERS is an experienced IT Services professional who has been an owner manager of several companies since founding one of the early PC services companies in Ireland upon leaving college and until recently was Chairman of Client Solutions Ltd., a company he co-founded with Teddy McCarthy in 1994. The company was re-acquired in an MBO deal from TechData in 2018 before selling again to EY in July 2022. While in corporate ownership Shemas has managed teams in different geographies and has experience of restructuring situations for both growth and change of direction. Other interests and accolades include Owner/Founder of the National Software Centre; Chairman of the HBAN Boole Investment Syndicate; co-Founder of IT@Cork; CorkBIC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2013; Fellowship of the Analytics Institute Ireland 2019 and IT@Cork Tech Person of year 2019. Shemas has been a very active Angel investor over the last 7 years with investments in over 30 companies. |
Shemas Eivers
Great Island Productions
SHEMAS EIVERS is an experienced IT Services professional who has been an owner manager of several companies since founding one of the early PC services companies in Ireland upon leaving college and until recently was Chairman of Client Solutions Ltd., a company he co-founded with Teddy McCarthy in 1994.
JOANNA GARDINER, CEO, ELAVE skincare by Gardiner Family Apothecary. Grand-daughter of the founder of the first Irish skincare apothecary, Joanna continues that tradition and founded ELAVE skincare for sensitive skin. The multi-award-winning ELAVE Skincare is developed and manufactured in the integrated manufacturing facility in Dundalk, Ireland which is licensed to produce skincare to world recognised medicinal and medical device standards, Ecocert Cosmos Organic skincare standards combined with PETA cruelty free Vegan and is certified BCORP in 2024. Implementing new strategies has resulted in the company’s skincare building on their success in Ireland to open new international markets in the UK, Europe, Gulf States and Middle East & Asia. Joanna is a past EY Entrepreneur Finalist & past EY Entrepreneur of the Year Alumni Board member & past Chairperson of Dundalk Institute of Technology. |
Joanna Gardiner
Elave Skincare
JOANNA GARDINER, CEO, ELAVE skincare by Gardiner Family Apothecary. Grand-daughter of the founder of the first Irish skincare apothecary, Joanna continues that tradition and founded ELAVE skincare for sensitive skin.
JOHN STAPLETON is an investor & Non-Executive Director, providing value-added business growth advice, guidance and mentoring to business owners. John is a business thought leader and delivers keynotes on a range of entrepreneurial, management & motivational leadership topics. In 1987 John co-founded The New Covent Garden Soup Co Ltd pioneering the fresh soup category in the UK – successfully exiting in 1998. John then brought the fresh soup concept to the US – co-founding Glencoe Foods in 1998. In 2005, John co-founded Little Dish, which supplies healthy, natural and convenient meals and snacks to children over one year old – successfully exiting in 2017.
John Stapleton
Investor
JOHN STAPLETON is an investor & Non-Executive Director, providing value-added business growth advice, guidance and mentoring to business owners. John is a business thought leader and delivers keynotes on a range of entrepreneurial, management & motivational leadership topics.
ÁINE DENN is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the technology sector, having worked in both the corporate and startup worlds. In 2005, she co-founded Altify (now Upland Altify), a global B2B SaaS company that delivered innovative sales technology. Áine’s Altify journey ended on a high note with the acquisition of Altify by Upland Software (UPLD) at the end of 2019. Today, as a Non-executive Director, mentor, and advisor to businesses in Ireland and the UK, Áine is committed to helping others succeed. She is a credentialed coach and holds a Dip IoD. Áine is a board member of Technology Ireland and the Irish Writers Centre and an advisor to the IMRO Technology Committee. Áine actively supports entrepreneurship as a lead entrepreneur for Going For Growth, an Enterprise Ireland HPSU Founders Forum facilitator, and an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Dogpatch Labs Founders Talent Accelerator.
Áine Denn
IMRO
ÁINE DENN is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the technology sector, having worked in both the corporate and startup worlds.